"Emergency calls from the public will continue to be answered as our fire control operators will be unaffected by the action. However, we would advise residents that our response times may be slightly longer than they would normally expect."

Firefighters are to go on strike this morning Credit: Lewis Whyld/PA Archive

Firefighters are going on strike between 6am and 8am this morning over a pensions row with the government.

The Fire Brigades Union say the dispute relates to pension changes which could see firefighters having to work beyond the current retirement age of 55. The union says some fire fighters are not fit enough to work beyond that age.

Firefighters go will strike between 6.30pm and 11pm this evening over a pensions row with the government. They are also walking out on Monday morning.

The Fire Brigades Union say the dispute relates to pension changes which could see firefighters having to work beyond the current retirement age of 55. The union says some fire fighters are not fit enough to work beyond that age.

Firefighters from across the region have been in Downing Street today protesting about cuts and the state of their pensions.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union claim that cuts will affect equipment and the ability to tackle fires in the future. They claim that steps like increasing the retirement age mean they are taking more of a hit than other organisations.

Dave Turner from the Fire Brigades Union said that the cuts are 'dangerous'.

The fire minister has said that this kind of action is totally unnecessary and that firefighters' pensions are some of the most generous in the public sector.